WINNIPEG, May 19, 2010 - On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Shelly Glover, Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages and Member of Parliament (Saint Boniface), today announced funding for the organization Ka Ni Kanichihk for its "Aboriginal Women: Reclaiming Our Power" project.
This funding will assist Aboriginal women in addressing domestic violence issues that impact them and their families. It will support them in their efforts to strengthen and reclaim their cultural identity, move forward in their healing journey, and rebuild their families. Project activities include consulting Aboriginal women to identify family violence prevention priorities; developing culturally appropriate strategies to address violence; training Aboriginal women as peer facilitators; and offering healing circles and traditional women's healing ceremonies. The project will conclude with a one-day "Grandmothers Gathering" that brings together Aboriginal women and youth to reclaim traditional leadership roles and develop a culturally appropriate community plan to prevent violence.
"Our Government is committed to improving the lives of Aboriginal women," said Minister Moore. "Today's investment will provide Aboriginal women who live mainly off-reserve with access to culturally relevant resources and support to help them address the impact of domestic violence."
"By investing in the Reclaiming Our Power project, our Government is working with the community to help break the cycle of violence in Aboriginal families," said Mrs. Glover. "This initiative incorporates Aboriginal traditions and teachings and is an important resource for Aboriginal women who are going through the healing process."
"'Aboriginal Women: Reclaiming Our Power' is a community-based project designed to increase the safety, well-being, and reliance of Aboriginal women and girls through cultural reclamation, personal empowerment, and leadership development," said Leslie Spillett, Executive Director, Ka Ni Kanichihk. "Given the often profound levels of violence that impact Aboriginal women and girls, this project will ensure that they contribute to identifying solutions that will improve their lives."
Ka Ni Kanichihk, founded in 2001, is a non-profit community-based organization. It serves the urban Aboriginal community by providing education, training and employment, leadership and community development, and healing and wellness programs and services. Ka Ni Kanichihk is governed by a council that includes First Nations and Métis people in Winnipeg.
The Government of Canada is providing funding of $262,280 over three years through the Aboriginal Women's Program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This initiative enables Aboriginal women to influence policies, programs, legislation, and decision making that affect the social, cultural, economic, and political well-being in their communities and in Canadian society. It includes a component to address issues around family violence and a self-government initiative to support the full participation of Aboriginal women in consultations and decision-making processes.
Matthew Deacon
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage and
Official Languages
819-997-7788
matthew.deacon@pch.gc.ca
Francine Lefebvre
Director
Regional Communications
Prairies and Northern Region
Canadian Heritage
Tel.: 204-983-4367
Cell: 204-899-8611
francine.lefebvre@pch.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
media@pch.gc.ca
